The 10 bank branches closing in DAYS including NatWest and Halifax
TEN bank branches are set to close in days in a blow to the high street.
Major lenders including NatWest, and Halifax are gearing up to close physical sites in the coming days.
The lenders, alongside their competitors, have already shut a number of branches this month, with a total of 18 sites closing this month.
That includes Halifax who has shut three sites across Malton, Chippenham and Newbury.
Meanwhile Lloyds has closed two branches across Kenilworth and Hitchin.
Its subsidiary Bank of Scotland has also closed two sites in North Berwick and Langholm.
Barclays has also shut a branch in Cockermouth on April 4.
A rise in online banking has meant more and more lenders are turning their backs on physical branches.
Research from consumer champion Which? found that UK banks and building societies have closed about 6,293 branches since January 2015.
That works out at nearly two branches shutting every single day for a decade.
Which? previously said this represents 63% of all the branches that were open at the start of 2015.
Barclays is the individual bank that has reduced its network the most, with 1,227 branch closures.
Meanwhile, NatWest said in January it would close down 53 branches across this year.
Now Halifax and Lloyds are poised to close a combined total of 10 more banks before the end of the month.
You can see the full list below:
Halifax
- Northallerton – April 28
- Oswestry – April 28
- Runcorn: Halton Lea Shopping Centre – April 29
- Tamworth – April 29
- Witney – April 30
NatWest
- Cleveleys – April 28
- Dewsbury – April 28
- Bishop Auckland – April 29
- Leeds: Chapel Allerton – April 30
- Middleton – April 30
What to do if your local bank is set to close
There are still a number of ways people can access basic banking services without having to venture to another town with a branch.
You can use one of the Post Office’s 11,684 branches to perform basic banking tasks — but not to open new bank accounts or take personal loans and mortgages.
You can find your nearest Post Office branch by visiting postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.
Meanwhile, many banks offer a mobile banking service – where they bring a bus to your area offering services you can usually get at a physical branch.
Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.
It’s worth contacting your bank to see what mobile services they have available, and when they might next be in your area.
New super ATMs are being rolled out across the UK where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services.
These ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash.
Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are already signed up to allow deposits, at the super ATMs.
Banking hubs are also being opened across the UK with 250 set to be available by the end of 2025.
What services do banking hubs offer?
BANKING hubs offer a range of services to bridge the gap left by the closure of local branches.
Operated by the Post Office, these hubs allow customers to perform routine transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and balance enquiries.
Each hub features private booths where customers can discuss more complex banking matters with staff from their respective banks.
Staff from different banks are available on a rotational basis, ensuring that customers have access to a wide range of banking services throughout the week.
Additionally, customers can receive advice and support on various financial products and services, including loans, mortgages, and savings accounts.